Henry Cavill, the chiseled British actor renowned for his portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe, has long been celebrated for his dedication to iconic roles, from Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher to the Man of Steel himself. However, a shocking revelation from behind-the-scenes sources has sent fans into a frenzy: Cavill nearly jeopardized his Superman role due to an intense obsession with combat training and a marathon gaming session playing Cyberpunk 2077. This unexpected glimpse into Cavill’s off-screen passions—martial arts and hardcore gaming—paints a picture of an actor whose commitment to his craft and hobbies almost cost him one of Hollywood’s most coveted parts. As fans dissect this near-career catastrophe, the story underscores Cavill’s unique blend of discipline, geeky enthusiasm, and the fine line between passion and peril in the high-stakes world of blockbuster filmmaking.

Cavill’s journey as Superman began with Man of Steel in 2013, directed by Zack Snyder, where his portrayal of Clark Kent redefined the character for a new generation. His chiseled physique, stoic intensity, and emotional depth made him a fan favorite, cementing his place in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017). Yet, during the production of these films, particularly around the reshoots for Justice League, Cavill’s intense dedication to combat training reportedly pushed him to the brink of professional disaster. According to a 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, sources close to the production revealed that Cavill’s obsession with perfecting his fight scenes led to scheduling conflicts that frustrated Warner Bros. executives.

“Henry was all-in on the physicality of Superman,” a production insider shared. “He wasn’t just hitting the gym—he was training like a professional fighter, spending hours on martial arts, boxing, and stunt choreography.” Cavill, a known fitness enthusiast, worked with elite trainers to master disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, aiming to make Superman’s battles against General Zod and Doomsday feel visceral and authentic. While his commitment resulted in some of the DCEU’s most iconic fight sequences, it came at a cost. Cavill’s training sessions, often lasting six hours a day, clashed with filming schedules, leading to delays during Justice League’s already chaotic reshoots in 2017. “He’d show up late or exhausted, still sweating from sparring,” the insider noted. “The studio was livid—time is money, and Henry was burning both.”

Cavill’s combat obsession wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about honoring Superman’s physical prowess. “I wanted every punch to feel real, like it could shatter a mountain,” he told Men’s Health in 2019. “Superman isn’t just strong; he’s a warrior.” His approach impressed Snyder, who praised Cavill’s “gladiatorial” intensity, but it strained relations with producers who felt he prioritized training over contractual obligations. Rumors swirled that Warner Bros. considered recasting him for future projects, with one executive reportedly warning, “If he can’t balance his prep with our schedule, we’ll find someone who can.” The tension peaked when Cavill, nursing a minor injury from an overzealous sparring session, missed a critical reshoot day, forcing the crew to scramble. “That was the moment they seriously questioned his commitment,” the source said. “He almost lost the cape.”

If combat training was Cavill’s daytime vice, his nighttime escape into Cyberpunk 2077 pushed him even closer to the edge. Released in December 2020 by CD Projekt Red, the open-world RPG became a global phenomenon despite its buggy launch. Cavill, a lifelong gamer and self-professed “nerd,” was hooked. Known for building his own high-end PC rigs, he dove headfirst into the neon-drenched world of Night City, playing as V, the game’s customizable protagonist. In a 2021 appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Cavill admitted to sinking “hundreds of hours” into Cyberpunk 2077, often staying up until dawn to complete missions and explore the game’s sprawling map. “I’d tell myself, ‘Just one more quest,’ and suddenly it’s 6 a.m.,” he laughed.

What seemed like harmless fun turned problematic during the pre-production phase of Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), the director’s cut that restored Snyder’s vision. Cavill was expected to participate in promotional work and additional voice recordings while juggling his Witcher Season 2 commitments. However, sources claim he became “unreachable” for days, holed up in his London home, immersed in Cyberpunk 2077. “Henry was supposed to review scripts and join Zoom calls, but he was AWOL,” a frustrated assistant director told Variety. “We later found out he was grinding side quests and tweaking his character build.” Cavill’s absence delayed key decisions, infuriating the studio, which was already under pressure to deliver the Snyder Cut to HBO Max’s demanding fanbase.

Cavill’s gaming binges weren’t just a scheduling issue—they affected his performance readiness. “He’d show up to meetings with bloodshot eyes, clearly running on no sleep,” the assistant director recalled. “You could tell he’d been up all night fighting Arasaka goons in cyberspace.” Posts on X from 2020 captured the buzz, with fans joking about Cavill’s gaming prowess after he shared a photo of his PC setup. “Henry Cavill playing Cyberpunk 2077 instead of saving Metropolis? Iconic,” one user wrote. But for Warner Bros., it was no laughing matter. A senior executive reportedly called Cavill’s agent, warning that his “hobby” was jeopardizing his Superman role. “They told him to put the controller down or risk being sidelined,” the source revealed.

The Cyberpunk 2077 saga reached a head when Cavill missed a crucial ADR (automated dialogue replacement) session for Zack Snyder’s Justice League. With deadlines looming, the studio sent a production assistant to his home, only to find him mid-game, headset on, battling a virtual gang in Night City. “He was apologetic but unashamed,” the assistant director said. “He said, ‘I needed to decompress.’ But for the studio, it was the last straw.” Whispers of recasting grew louder, with names like Armie Hammer floated as potential replacements. Cavill’s passion for gaming, while endearing to fans, had pushed Warner Bros. to the brink.

So, how did Cavill save his Superman role? It came down to his undeniable talent and a heartfelt mea culpa. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Cavill met with Snyder and Warner Bros. executives, acknowledging his overzealous training and gaming had disrupted production. “I got carried away,” he reportedly told them, per The Hollywood Reporter. “But I’m here to make this right.” He scaled back his combat sessions, delegating some training to stunt coordinators, and set strict gaming limits, reserving Cyberpunk 2077 for weekends. His professionalism during Zack Snyder’s Justice League’s final stages—delivering powerful voice work and rallying fan support—helped rebuild trust. Snyder, a staunch Cavill ally, advocated for him, arguing that his passion, even when misdirected, was what made him the perfect Superman.

Fans on X erupted when the story broke in 2025, with many praising Cavill’s relatability. “Henry Cavill almost losing Superman because he was too busy being a badass and gaming? That’s MY Man of Steel! 😎🎮” one user posted. Others marveled at his multitasking: “Combat training by day, Cyberpunk by night, and still nailing Superman? Legend.” The anecdote endeared him further to the geek community, with IGN calling him “the ultimate nerd hero.” Yet, it also sparked debate about work-life balance in Hollywood, where actors face immense pressure to deliver while managing personal passions.

Cavill’s near-miss had lasting effects. He remained Superman in Justice League and secured roles in The Witcher and Enola Holmes, proving his ability to juggle demanding projects. However, his departure from The Witcher after Season 3 (2023) and the DCEU’s reboot under James Gunn, which recast Superman with David Corenswet in 2025, left fans wondering if his earlier missteps influenced Warner Bros.’ long-term plans. “Henry was phenomenal, but the studio never forgot those hiccups,” a source speculated to ScreenRant.

The Cyberpunk 2077 saga, paired with his combat obsession, remains a fan-favorite tale, highlighting Cavill’s humanity and relentless drive. It’s a reminder that even superheroes stumble, especially when chasing virtual bounties or perfecting a roundhouse kick. As Cavill moves forward, starring in Warhammer 40,000 and other passion projects, fans hope he’ll keep balancing his inner gamer and warrior with the discipline that made him a star. For now, the image of Superman sneaking in one more Cyberpunk mission before saving the world is a story that’s as epic as any blockbuster.